Planning for life – it is important and here’s how to start
This National Advance Care Planning Week (20-26 March 2023), Chief Advocate Ian Henschke asks how you would let others know what you want if something happens and you can’t communicate.
Key Points
Advance Care Planning tells others what you want if injury or illness means you can’t.
Steps include thinking about what you want, talking to family and loved ones and writing a plan.
For useful planning resources and more information read on.
From personal experience, I know a serious injury or illness can stop a loved one making their own decisions about health care and treatment. It made me think about my own situation and how uncertain life can be at times.
The solution is to start planning now, and letting others know your preferences if the worst happens. That helps give you, your family and your carer peace of mind.
If you become sick or injured, you might not be able to tell others what you want for your care and medical treatment. Advance care planning can help you make some decisions now about your preferences for the care you would like to receive and the outcomes you would find acceptable or unacceptable.
Developing a plan (or Advance Care Directive as it is also known) starts with talking to those you love, health providers, and those you want to make decisions for you in the event you cannot make them for yourself.
Importantly, start writing down your preferences with a view to ultimately developing a directive to your family about your preferences. Sooner is better because if illness or injury strikes, then it could stop you communicating what you want to happen.
Talking about your advance care plan helps your loved ones and health providers know what matters most to you and respect your treatment preferences.
It’s important to realise if you don’t have a written plan then no one knows what you want. This can put a heavy burden on your family and loved ones who, although they know you, are guessing what it is you want and worry they will make the wrong choice. Also, doctors may use aggressive treatments that you might not have wanted.
To achieve what you want, consider these planning steps:
Start by thinking and talking about your values and health care preferences.
Appoint another person to make decisions for you.
Complete an advance care directive.
The person that you choose should be someone:
Aged 18 years or over – they do not need to be a family member.
Who will listen and discuss your values and preferences.
You trust to follow your values and instructions.
Who is willing to accept this responsibility and available to take on the role if needed.
Who is able to make decisions in stressful situations.
No, you don’t but you can if that is your choice. It is a good idea to speak with your doctor and in some states and territories, they will be required to sign your advance care directive. You will find information about the relevant laws and forms for your state or territory here.
While we’re talking about what to do when life serves up a curve-ball, a new website has been launched in Melbourne with links and practical information about what to do in the event of receiving an end-of-life diagnosis.
Through the site, called Precious Time, you can access the hundreds of services and businesses providing support to people in need in north, west and central Melbourne as well as for their families, friends and carers.
Advance Care Planning Australia is marking this national week by making available its Advance Care Planning Starter Pack. It’s available by completing an online form here or by calling 1300 208 582, 9am – 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday.
Advance care planning is a normal part of life and is voluntary.
Talking about values, beliefs, and health and care preferences is an important part of family relationships and friendships.
Speak with family, friends, carer and doctor if they haven’t already.
Advance care planning is an ongoing conversation – it should not happen only one time, as circumstances do change.
Discuss your thoughts with those close to you—your family, substitute decision-maker, your doctor and other healthcare providers.
- Ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your health and medical treatments.
Seek advice from the National Advance Care Planning Support Service.
Legally appoint your substitute decision-maker by completing the relevant form and tell them your preferences.
Complete an Advance Care Directive.
Make sure these documents are easily accessible. Be sure to give copies to family members and those involved in your care. Upload documents to My Health Record.
